How is oxygen produced in photosynthesis through the photolysis of water?

Sourav PanNovember 8, 2024

Answered step-by-step

Oxygen production in photosynthesis occurs through a process known as photolysis of water, which takes place during the light-dependent reactions. This process is crucial for providing the oxygen gas that is released into the atmosphere and involves several key steps.

Photolysis of Water

Mechanism

1. Light Absorption: The process begins when chlorophyll and other pigments in the chloroplasts absorb sunlight. This energy excites electrons in the chlorophyll molecules, particularly in Photosystem II (PSII), which is located in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.
2. Water Splitting: The absorbed light energy drives the oxidation of water molecules (H2OH2​O). This reaction can be summarized as:
   2H2O→4H++4e−+O2​

   Here, water is split into hydrogen ions (H+H+), electrons (e−e−), and oxygen gas (O2O2​). The oxygen produced is released as a byproduct into the atmosphere.
3. Role of the Oxygen-Evolving Complex: The splitting of water is facilitated by a protein complex known as the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC), which contains manganese ions. This complex plays a critical role in catalyzing the reaction that leads to oxygen production.

Importance of Oxygen Production

• The oxygen released during photolysis is essential for aerobic life on Earth, as it contributes to the atmospheric oxygen that organisms need for respiration.
• Additionally, the electrons generated from this process are transferred through an electron transport chain, contributing to the formation of ATP and NADPH, which are vital for the subsequent light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) where carbon dioxide is fixed into organic compounds